After a limited opening on October 9th, the inspirational thriller surpassed $1 million in ticket sales in just its fourth week, playing on an average of 33 screens. Those box office returns make THE SARATOV APPROACH the fastest LDS-themed film to reach $1 million in history - surpassing such noteworthy films as GOD'S ARMY, THE OTHER SIDE OF HEAVEN and THE WORK AND THE GLORY. By comparison, over that same time period, THE OTHER SIDE OF HEAVEN earned $707,062; GOD'S ARMY earned $757,279, and THE WORK AND THE GLORY earned $909,233. These three films are widely considered the benchmark for success among LDS-themed films. The film is currently playing on 27 screens across Utah and Idaho, and has grossed over $1.4 million at the box office to date. The film will begin its nationwide expansion in over 30 markets across the country, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Portland and Seattle on January 10th.

THE SARATOV APPROACH tells the untold, true story of Travis Tuttle and Andrew Propst and their harrowing experience after being kidnapped on March 18, 1998, during a mission in Saratov, Russia The two were beaten and held for ransom for nearly a week, but in abducting the missionaries, their captor unwittingly sets in motion a course of events that would change all of their lives in ways none of them could've expected.

"The fact that the film hasn't opened in most major markets yet makes this accomplishment even more amazing," said Purdie. "Moreover, as an independent film, we have relied on word-of-mouth to drive the film's ticket sales. And the word-of-mouth has been astonishing and a real testament to what an incredible film THE SARATOV APPROACH is."